DISTRICT NEWS

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1916, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS

OKATtf (From Our Own Correspondent.) It is now about two months since the Okato Men's Association was inaugurated, and the movement has proved an unqualified success. Its membership is large, and the average attendance, is much better than the most sanguine of its promoters anticipated.

The programme ,<lrawn up by the committee lias proved very successful in every respect. The first two evenings were open ones, being spent chiefly in playing cards, draughts, and chess. The third was "question night." Numerous knoty problems were brought forward for solution, and the ensuing discussions were interesting, and. in some cases, amusing. The fourth gathering was "Visitors' Night," when a pleasant time was spent in games and dancing, there being a good attendance of lady friends. Another open meeting was followed on Monday last by a debate on "Socialism." This attracted an even larger attendance than usual, Mr. Dailey, the president, occupying the chair. Mr. Featherstone took the affirmative, and Mr. Franks the negative. The former, in his remarks, pointed out the numerous benefits which would be conferred on the human race by the adoption of the evolutionary principles of Socialism, which, he affirmed, were proved in the teachings of the New Testament, and also by the result of much of the Dominion's experimental legislation, which had a decidedly Socialistic tendency. Mr. Franks outlined revolutionary Socialism, and quickly proceeded to impress on the audience its numerous faults and evil teachings. The success of the extremists, as represented by the "Red Feds," would, he declared, result in pandemonium.

A lengthy and interesting discussion followed, being taken part in by almost all present, and the evening concluded with' a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the debate, which was well eonducted and of a decidedly educational nature.